Tennis star Novak Djokovic returned to Australia on Tuesday, a yr after being deported for not being vaccinated in opposition to Covid-19.
Widespread media reviews mentioned the Serbian had landed in Adelaide, the place he’ll play in a warm-up occasion beginning on January 1 forward of the Australian Open (January 16-29).
The 35-year-old was deported in the beginning of 2022 after he entered Australia with out a coronavirus jab. He had sought an exemption however the authorities despatched him packing after ruling he was a hazard to society given his anti-vaccine stance.
Since then, Australia has lifted its vaccine mandate for travellers and the federal government dropped an computerized three-year entry ban for Djokovic.
Australian Open chief Craig Tiley informed a news convention on Tuesday that he hoped spectators give Djokovic a heat welcome.
“I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public,” Tiley mentioned.
“We’re a very well-educated sporting public, particularly those who come to the tennis, they love their tennis, they love seeing greatness, they love seeing great athleticism, great matches.
“And I’ve loads of confidence that the followers will react like we hope they’d react and have respect for that.”
Djokovic is gunning for a record-extending tenth title at Melbourne Park subsequent month as he bids to attract degree with Rafa Nadal’s males’s singles report of twenty-two grand slam titles.
